[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1549-E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF MR. KENT HILL, DIRECTOR OF THE 
 KANSAS CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY 
               AND CONSUMMATE DEDICATION TO OUR VETERANS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kansas City 
VA Director Kent Hill, a transformational leader with an open door 
policy that is known for the unselfish public service that he has 
provided to our veterans, their families, his staff, and to me in my 
capacity as United States Representative for the Fifth District of 
Missouri. I think it is important to recognize the accomplishments of 
those who professionally serve with distinction. Director Hill has done 
so modestly without bringing attention on himself.
  The scope of his work since 2002 at the Kansas City VA Medical Center 
included an operating budget of approximately $260,000,000, 
approximately 1,500 employees and providing healthcare services to more 
than 45,000 veterans. He had the added responsibility of opening and 
overseeing clinical programs, including five Community Based Outpatient 
Clinics, and the new Honor Annex. In addition, the Kansas City VA 
Medical Center has a vibrant research and outreach program.
  When Kent Hill took over as Director for the Kansas City VA Medical 
Center, he came in as a veteran who had attended the Air Force Academy 
and has spent 40 years in Federal service. During his career, he 
cultivated a successful management style, centered on personal 
involvement and respect for his staff and the veterans and their 
families that he served. He was an advocate of the methodology outlined 
in the book, ``The Servant Leader''. His staff worked within a 
management style that delegates power, believes in a team approach, 
motivation, recognition, and at the core; an understanding for the 
veterans and their issues. He has been a strong advocate for continuing 
professional growth through education and initiated a mentoring 
program.
  Under Kent Hill's direction, the hospital has undergone a complete 
floor to floor update and expanded to include: new surgical suites, 
Women's Clinic, Chiropractic care, state of the art Cardiac 
Catheterization Laboratory, Hospice Unit, Blind Rehab Center, Cochlear 
implant program, Sleep Lab, New Ambulatory Surgery Unit, an OIF/OEF 
Case Management Program and a new Dialysis Unit.
  Access to VA healthcare and services have long been a priority for 
Director Hill. His management and oversight of veteran access included 
weekly meetings with clinical leaders to review capacity for 
appointments and wait times as well as decisions on adding staff and 
new services. To facilitate easy access for veterans to the programs 
and services of the Kansas City VA Medical Center, Director Hill 
originated a Greeter program, a Vet 4 Vet navigator program and shuttle 
service to and from the parking lots; and a successful and long awaited 
Veterans Transportation Service became operational. He tackled 
telephone access and electronic messaging to providers. Director Hill 
did not stop with services and programs at the main hospital--but 
placed emphasis on taking VA healthcare outside the parent facility and 
into the surrounding communities. He activated a Mobile Medical Unit, 
opened Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and built a community-based 
Radiation Therapy Building. One of his more noteworthy achievements was 
the opening of a large outpatient building--the Honor Annex--that 
houses mental health services, primary care and a women's clinic.
  One of the compliments that I have heard often is regarding 
cleanliness and modernization of the hospital. An example of his 
receptiveness and desire for a more accessible environment can best be 
illustrated with the Director's directive to remove glass partitions 
that had created barriers between staff and veterans. This important 
move coincided with many communication and outreach initiatives.
  During my time in office, I have watched the Kansas City VA gear up 
for returning veterans from current conflicts while maintaining 
services to all of our existing veterans. An example of Director Hill's 
proactive style became evident as the current conflicts brought new 
mental health problems and illnesses, he called for focused education 
for his staff on how to identify and help veterans coming home from 
combat. With the continual evolution of hidden wounds from war, he 
ensured the staff was trained to identify signs of Post-Traumatic 
Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and possible suicide. Expanding 
of mental health services included veterans having access to Veterans 
Court as well as a multitude of homeless programs and initiatives. An 
example of the influence and impact of Director Hill's leadership is 
the widespread participation of the KCVA staff in the spring and fall 
community Heart of America Stand Down for homeless veterans. Director 
Hill can be seen every year personally distributing boots to homeless 
veterans. Since arriving in Kansas City, Director Hill has championed 
inner city and rural outreach programs to ensure veterans are aware of 
their many benefits. His

[[Page E1550]]

outreach efforts have touched veterans in many different locations 
throughout the Heartland. In 2013, Kansas City VA staff hosted and/or 
participated in more than 40 veteran-focused events. Director Hill can 
be seen at many different events always supporting causes and programs 
for our veterans. He has a strong dedication and commitment to the 
veterans he serves. One of the most compelling stories about Director 
Hill is when he attended the funeral of a civil war veteran, whose 
family had long-awaited formal burial. These are only a few of the many 
examples of how Kent Hill has torn down barriers and gained the respect 
of our veterans.
  Perhaps the most gratifying praise one can receive is to have the 
respect and appreciation from those they serve. Among the veterans of 
Missouri's Fifth District, Director Hill is regarded as a listener who 
takes their concerns seriously and will take the time to discuss 
solutions, explains his position with diplomacy and compassion. In an 
effort to have a closer relationship with our veterans, he meets 
periodically with the Veterans Focus Liaison Committee. This committee 
concept was presented to Director Hill by a group of veterans who 
received services at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. The idea was 
readily accepted and this grassroots committee took shape. The members 
talk to their peers and relay their concerns to the Director. He has 
been receptive to their suggestions and always willing to investigate 
their grievances. This partnership has resulted in more honest 
communication and better relations between staff and the veterans they 
serve. Veterans have commented that when meeting with Director Hill, he 
already was aware of the issue and had been working on solutions.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and our colleagues in recognizing and 
honoring Mr. Kent Hill, Director of the Kansas City VA Medical Center 
upon his retirement from the Department of Veterans Affairs. While he 
embraces this next phase of life with his wife, Anita; children, Blake, 
Kirk, Keith and Stephen; and grandchildren, he leaves with the respect 
and admiration of those who have had the pleasure of working with him. 
I wish to personally thank him for his tireless service to our country 
and his unquestionable dedication to our veterans. His imprint will 
long be felt by future generations at the Kansas City VA Medical Center 
and in our community.

                          ____________________